From City of Side: Alanya Tandem Paragliding w/ Beach Visit

Feel the ground disappear beneath you. This six-hour Alanya tandem paragliding trip gives you a thrilling flight from Cleopatra’s Hill, followed by a gentle landing on Cleopatra Beach. I like the hotel pickup from Side and the wide views over Alanya’s coast. I also like that trained pilots handle the flight while you focus on the scenery and the sensation of flying.

The main catch is time. The flight lasts about 20 minutes, but transport and waiting can fill most of the day. You should also budget for the 20 EUR take-off entry fee, plus optional photos and videos. Some people have reported long waits for the return transfer, so this is not a tightly timed excursion.

Key points at a glance

• A 700-meter launch point: You take off from Cleopatra’s Hill above Alanya, with the beach and sea spread below.
• A short but memorable flight: The tandem flight lasts close to 20 minutes, depending on wind and weather.
• A beach landing: Your pilot guides you down onto the golden sands of Cleopatra Beach.
• Simple transport from Side: Pickup and return service are included from hotels across Side.
• Experienced, reassuring pilots: Pilots such as Memeth, Jan, and instructors with many years of experience help nervous beginners settle in.
• Extra costs to plan for: The 20 EUR take-off fee, food, drinks, and optional media are not included in the $94 price.

From Side to Cleopatra’s Hill

The day begins with hotel pickup in Side. You need to wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled time, since drivers wait no more than five minutes after pickup time.

The transfer takes you to Alanya, in Antalya Province, and then up to the paragliding station on Cleopatra’s Hill. The launch point sits about 700 meters above sea level, giving you a strong first look at the coastline before you even leave the ground.

The transport is useful because you do not need to arrange a taxi between Side and Alanya. That convenience matters here. The launch site is not in central Side, and arranging separate transport would add cost and hassle.

Still, you should keep your schedule loose. The listed duration is six hours, but the day can run longer if several flights are being organized or transport is delayed. One person reported waiting nearly three hours at the office after the flight, while another described a late pickup and a 30-minute wait before returning to Side.

A separate transport company handles the driving. One report raised a safety concern about a driver using a phone often during the journey. That appears to be an individual complaint rather than a feature of the activity itself, but it is fair to keep in mind. If you feel uncomfortable, speak up politely.

The safety briefing before takeoff

At the hilltop station, the pilot explains how tandem paragliding works. You receive instructions about the running start, safety procedures, and the equipment you will use.

You are attached to the pilot’s harness system and uniform. The pilot controls the paraglider, while you follow instructions during takeoff and landing. For most beginners, the most important part of the briefing is learning when to run and when to keep moving forward.

The takeoff requires you to run with the instructor for a few meters toward the edge of the hill. This can feel dramatic, especially when the slope drops away, but the running section is short. Once the canopy catches the wind, your feet leave the ground and the flight begins.

If you are nervous, tell the pilot before you start. Several pilots receive praise for calming first-time flyers, and one participant specifically credited an instructor with helping overcome serious fear. George, the manager, was also singled out for explaining the process clearly before the activity began.

The operator provides the equipment and training service, along with full insurance. You should wear comfortable clothing. Cameras are not allowed, so do not plan to hold your own phone or action camera during the flight.

What the 20-minute flight feels like

The flight lasts almost 20 minutes under suitable weather conditions. Wind direction and strength can change the timing, so treat that figure as an estimate rather than a guarantee.

The first sensation is likely to be a mix of excitement and relief. After the running start, you sit in the tandem harness with the pilot behind you. Instead of rushing through the air like a roller coaster, paragliding gives you a slower ride with time to look around.

From 700 meters above the sea, you can see Cleopatra Beach below, Alanya’s built-up coast, and the blue water stretching along the shore. The view is the main reason to choose this location. You are not simply flying over an anonymous valley. The beach landing gives the flight a clear visual finish.

Your pilot manages the direction and height. Depending on the conditions, the flight may feel calm or more thrilling. The activity description promises an adrenaline boost, but this is still a tandem experience led by a professional pilot, not a solo lesson.

The pilots may also take photos and videos during the flight. The available media can include regular photos, standard video, and, according to one participant, 3D video. These are sold separately after landing. Prices have been reported from around 50 EUR, so ask about the current package cost before deciding.

For many people, the media is the best souvenir because you cannot bring your own camera. If you are traveling with a child old enough to participate, buying one package may be more appealing than purchasing separate sets. One parent received a better deal when buying media for herself and her daughter, though you should not count on a discount.

Landing on Cleopatra Beach

The landing takes place on Cleopatra Beach, one of Alanya’s best-known stretches of sand. The pilot controls the final approach and aims for a gentle touchdown.

You will need to follow the pilot’s instructions as you come down. The landing is designed to be smooth, but it is still an active part of the experience. Wear clothes that let you move comfortably, and avoid bringing anything loose.

The beach finish is a real advantage. You do not return to a remote hilltop or a rough mountain track. You touch down at sea level, close to the water and sand that made this location attractive in the first place.

The beach visit is not presented as a separate sightseeing stop with a guided walk or a set amount of free time. Its main purpose is to provide the landing point and the natural end to the flight. If you are hoping for a long beach break, swimming session, or meal by the water, check the schedule before booking because those extras are not promised.

After landing, you can look through the photos and videos made by the pilot. This is when you decide if the media is worth the additional cost. Since cameras are not allowed, these recordings are the only way to take home aerial images from the flight.

How much value do you get for $94?

The listed price is $94 per person. That includes hotel transfers in both directions, entrance fees listed as included, training, equipment, and full insurance.

At first glance, the price is reasonable for an activity that requires transport from Side, specialist gear, a trained tandem pilot, and insurance. The included pickup is especially useful if you are staying outside Alanya and do not want to arrange a long taxi ride.

But the advertised price is not the complete cost. The take-off entry fee is listed separately at 20 EUR. Photos and videos cost extra, and food and drinks are also your responsibility.

That means you should compare the base price with the amount you actually expect to spend. If you only want the flight and skip the media, your total remains fairly clear. If you want the photos, video, food, and drinks, the day can become noticeably more expensive.

The experience earns strong marks for pilot care and the flight itself. The weaker value comes from waiting. A six-hour activity with only about 20 minutes in the air may feel inefficient if transport is late or you spend hours at the office. I would not book this on a day when you have another fixed excursion, airport transfer, or evening reservation.

The pilots make the biggest difference

The strongest part of the experience is the human side. George, the manager, has been praised for giving a clear explanation before takeoff. Memeth was appreciated for creating a fun flight and taking good photos and videos. Jan, whose name may be spelled differently, was described as highly professional, while another instructor was credited with 15 years of paragliding experience.

The staff style seems friendly and relaxed, which can help when you are standing on a hill preparing to run into open air. You want a pilot who gives direct instructions without adding drama, and that is exactly the kind of support repeatedly described here.

The activity is offered with English, Russian, Turkish, and German-speaking instructors. You should still confirm your preferred language when booking if clear instructions are important to you.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 96 ratings, with particularly strong praise for safety, friendliness, and the views. The lower marks focus less on the flying and more on transport, waiting, and the price of media.

Who should book this Alanya paragliding trip?

I would recommend it to first-time flyers who want the excitement of paragliding without taking a full course. The pilot handles the technical work, and the flight is short enough to feel manageable for someone testing their comfort with heights.

It also suits couples, families with eligible children, and anyone staying in Side who wants a memorable day trip to Alanya. The beach landing makes it more appealing than a flight that begins and ends at the same mountain station.

This is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. You should also be comfortable with the short running start and with sitting in the tandem harness during the flight.

If you dislike waiting, the trip requires more thought. The flight itself may be excellent, but delays can take the shine off the day. Ask for a clear idea of the return schedule, and avoid booking other time-sensitive plans afterward.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Wear comfortable clothes that allow you to run a few meters. You do not need to bring a camera, and you are not allowed to use one during the flight.

Keep some money available for the 20 EUR take-off fee. If you want photos or videos, ask about the package price before accepting them, since media starts at a separate cost and can be pricey for one person.

Arrive at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes early. A driver may leave after five minutes past the planned pickup time, so waiting inside your hotel lobby is a poor strategy.

Leave your schedule open after the activity. The return transfer may be delayed, and some people have waited at the office for a long time. Bring patience, water, and any personal essentials you need for several hours, although food and drinks are not included.

The flight depends on weather and wind direction. If conditions change, the flight time may be shorter or the operation may need to adjust its schedule. That is a normal part of paragliding, not a flaw in the beach location.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a first paragliding experience with dramatic views, a supportive pilot, and a landing on Cleopatra Beach. The $94 price gives you useful inclusions, especially Side hotel transfers, equipment, training, and insurance.

Think twice if you need a precise timetable or dislike extra charges. Add 20 EUR for the takeoff fee, treat the photos and videos as optional, and leave plenty of room for transport delays.

For most people, the flight is the clear highlight. The views over Alanya and Cleopatra Beach, along with the calm support from pilots such as George and Memeth, make this a strong choice for a memorable half-day. Just remember that the actual flying is short, and the waiting may be longer than expected.

FAQ

How long does the Alanya tandem paragliding experience last?

The full activity lasts about six hours, including hotel transfers and time at the paragliding station. The flight itself lasts almost 20 minutes, depending on weather and wind direction.

Where does the paragliding flight start?

The flight starts from a station on Cleopatra’s Hill, about 700 meters above sea level.

Where does the paraglider land?

The pilot lands with you on the sands of Cleopatra Beach in Alanya.

Is hotel pickup from Side included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and return transport are included for hotels across Side. You should wait at your hotel’s main security gate 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

What costs extra?

The 20 EUR take-off entry fee is not included. Photos and videos, along with food and drinks, also cost extra.

Can I bring my own camera?

No. Cameras are not allowed during the activity. You can view and purchase photos and videos taken by the pilot after landing.

Who cannot take part?

The activity is not suitable for children under six, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.